NEW BEGINNINGS

My dad passed away on February 16 this week, just two days after Valentine's Day. My family and I spent Valentine's Day in the intensive care unit of the hospital, watching my father struggle to live. It broke our hearts to see him that way.

Dad loved us all dearly, although he never once said it, so we wanted to be there for him during his last moments. By Wednesday afternoon, on February 15, it didn't seem possible that he would survive the night. Although he seemed barely conscious by then, I asked Jesus to keep him alive until my sister, who lived overseas, could see him one last time, and I asked my dad to wait for her.

Right after my sister touched down from Australia around 3 a.m. in the morning, we brought her to the hospital, only making a small detour to pick up my mum from her home. When we arrived at the ICU and walked up to my father's bed, his vital signs started to weaken. We had made it just in time.

Dad spent four more precious hours with us, as the entire family gathered together. There wasn't time to say all the things we wanted to say, and should have said when he was well and we had the opportunity. Mum was totally at a loss for words. She just sat by his bed, holding his hand. Whenever she grew tired and let go, I held his hand. During dad's long illness, he always looked for someone to hold his hand. Sometimes, when words fail, touch can speak volumes.

A doctor pronounced my dad's passing at 8.08 a.m. My beloved husband, Andrew, pointed out the significance of the time to me a while later. In the Bible, numbers have meaning, and Andrew reminded me that '8' signifies 'new beginnings'. In fact, my father's hospital room number was '8' as well. What comfort I drew from that revelation!

My father became a Christian only about 20 years ago. In John 3:16 in the Bible we are told :

"God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"

New beginnings. My dear dad has moved on to his new life in Heaven with Jesus. He has a new body and he will never be sick or suffer any more. He can walk, run, eat whatever he likes, and do whatever he enjoys. Right now, he's probably having a great time with my brother who left this earthly life on Valentine's Day three years ago. One day, we'll all be reunited in Heaven.

Dad has a whole new life - eternal life - ahead of him to enjoy. I'm so happy for him. See you again, Dad! We love you!

Love,

Carol